2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Nancy Reagan Endorses John McCain For President

NANCY REAGAN ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- Today in Los Angeles, Nancy Reagan endorsed John McCain for president.

Mrs. Reagan released the following statement on her endorsement:

"Although it has been my custom to wait until after the Republican National Convention to announce my support of a candidate, it is clear that the Party has chosen its nominee. So it is with great pleasure that I endorse Senator John McCain for President of the United States.

"John McCain has been a good friend for over thirty years. My husband and I first came to know him as a returning Vietnam War POW, and were impressed by the courage he had shown through his terrible ordeal. I believe John's record and experience have prepared him well to be our next president."

John McCain thanked Mrs. Reagan for her support, saying, "Mrs. Nancy Reagan has earned our love and admiration for her grace and lifetime commitment to our nation's future. Alongside President Reagan in the White House, Nancy was a champion of hope and compassion. I will never forget the kindness that she and her husband shared with me upon my return from Vietnam. I was grateful for her support then, and am humbled by it today."

Statement By John McCain On Fifth Anniversary Of Iraq Invasion

STATEMENT BY JOHN MCCAIN ON FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF IRAQ INVASION

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain today issued the following statement on the fifth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq:
"Today in Iraq, America and our allies stand on the precipice of winning a major victory against radical Islamic extremism. The security gains over the past year have been dramatic and undeniable. Al Qaeda and Shia extremists -- with support from external powers such as Iran -- are on the run but not defeated. Tough fighting remains ahead, especially in places like Mosul. Important political gains have also been made, but far more must be done in coming months to cement the gains made in huge cost in American blood and treasure.

"Americans should be proud that they led the way in removing a vicious, predatory dictator and opening the possibility of a free and stable Iraq. Americans should be proud that once we implemented the surge and new counterinsurgency strategy, a dire situation has been dramatically improved. And, Americans know that the consequences of failure would leave our nation less secure for generations to come."

John McCain's campaign today further re-released a web feature on www.johnmccain.com that chronicles the Senator's leadership on Iraq and in the larger fight against Islamic extremists. The page, entitled "Fighting Islamic Extremists: Progress in Iraq," features a four year timeline of John McCain's unrelenting call for a new strategy for victory in Iraq -- the strategy currently winning on the ground.

McCain Campaign Launches "Journey to Freedom" Web Video

McCain Campaign Launches "Journey to Freedom"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today launched a new web video entitled "Journey to Freedom," commemorating the 35th anniversary of John McCain's release on March 15, 1973 from the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" after being held for 5 1/2 years as a prisoner of war.

The web video features fellow former POWs LtCol. Orson Swindle, USMC (Ret.) and Cdr. Paul Galanti, USN (Ret.), as well as John McCain's mother, Mrs. Roberta McCain.

John McCain is a decorated navy captain with a distinguished personal record and family history of service to our country. The son and grandson of two Admirals, McCain spent 5 1/2 years as a POW in Vietnam. He commanded the U.S. Navy's largest squadron. His Naval honors include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Meg Whitman Joins John McCain 2008 As National Co-Chair

MEG WHITMAN JOINS JOHN MCCAIN 2008 AS NATIONAL CO-CHAIR

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Meg Whitman, president and CEO of eBay, will join John McCain's team, serving as national co-chair. Whitman will play a lead role in the McCain campaign. In addition to helping with finance activity, Whitman will be a prominent surrogate for John McCain, travel the country on his behalf, and help the campaign with policy development.

Under Whitman's leadership since March 1998, eBay has grown from a start-up with 30 employees and $4 million in revenue to a Fortune 500 company with nearly 15,000 employees and almost $8 billion in revenue. The company has enjoyed more than 40 consecutive quarters of sequential revenue growth since its initial public offering in September 1998. Perhaps most significantly, more than a million people around the world make all, or part of their living on eBay.

"I'm honored that Senator McCain has asked me to become a part of his campaign," said Meg Whitman. "America needs John McCain's courageous leadership. His unshakable commitment to lower taxes, strong trade, and innovation sets the right course for America's economy and future prosperity. I'm enormously excited to be a part of his team and believe in his vision for our country."

John McCain thanked Whitman, stating, "I am honored to have the support of such a distinguished and recognized business leader. Meg will play a key role in our victory in November. I am pleased she will be actively involved in my campaign and look forward to her leadership and guidance throughout the coming year."

Members Of Congress With Military Experience Support McCain For President

Members Of Congress With Military Experience Support McCain For President

WASHINGTON – Military veterans now serving in the U.S. House will gather Friday to discuss the national security credentials of Sen. John McCain and his career of public service and commitment to veterans.  Led by Reps. Darrell Issa of California, John Kline of Minnesota, and Mike Rogers of Michigan, the group will feature Rep. Sam Johnson of Texas, who was a Vietnam POW.

John McCain Wins Catholic Support Nationwide

JOHN MCCAIN WINS CATHOLIC SUPPORT NATIONWIDE

ARLINGTON, VA -- Today over 100 prominent Catholics nationwide have come together to support John McCain for president. The National Catholics for McCain Committee, led by U.S. Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Former Governor Frank Keating (R-OK), is growing rapidly. The group is represented by elected officials, businessmen and women, grassroots organizers, students, and Catholic leaders from over two dozen states.

"John McCain has a common sense vision for America based on faith, freedom, and families," said Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), National Co-Chair of the National Catholics for McCain Committee. "Committed to the protection of innocent human life, he is a leader Catholics will be proud to support. John McCain knows from experience what it means when a society tramples on the truth of the value of the human person. He is committed to defending the dignity and value of every person, regardless of their status."

John McCain expressed his deep appreciation and stated, "I want to thank Catholic voters today, who have played a vital role in electing me as the Republican nominee for the presidency. I am humbled by the support of such a diverse group of Catholic leaders who are dedicated to the defense of traditional marriage, advocate for the protection of innocent human life, and share my vision for a stronger, safer and more prosperous America. I stand firmly with those Catholics who believe that human rights are natural rights for all people, in all places, and in all stages of life."

The National Catholics for McCain Committee is actively recruiting Catholics at the national, regional, state, local, and parish levels to help share John McCain's vision and pro-Catholic message. 

Catholics For McCain Co-Chairs:

U.S. Senator Sam Brownback, Kansas
Former Governor Frank Keating, Oklahoma

Catholics For McCain National Leadership Committee:

Republican House Leader John Boehner, Ohio   
Former U.S. Senator Mike DeWine, Ohio            
Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Florida         
Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, Florida
Former U.S. Secretary of State Alexander Haig, Washington, DC
Representative Ray LaHood, Illinois      
Representative Dan Lungren, California 
U.S. Senator Mel Martinez, Florida
Representative Jean Schmidt, Ohio
Representative Pat Tiberi, Ohio

Catholics For McCain National Steering Committee:

David Adams, Florida, Retired Senior Foreign Service Officer    
Laurence Alvarado, Florida, Managing Director, Bearing Point & Contributor, InsideCatholic.com 
Hon. William Barr, Virginia, Former U.S. Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice
David Barron, South Carolina, Former Advisor & Surrogate, Reagan for President            
Andresen Blom, Hawaii, Former Executive Director, Hawaii Right to Life 
Gerry Bradley, Indiana, Law Professor, University of Notre Dame School of Law
Helen Anne Bunn, California, Owner & Operator, Health Care Facilities
Frank Cannon, Virginia, Treasurer, Susan B. Anthony List & Former Campaign Manager, Bauer for President
Mary Cannon, Virginia, Speechwriter & Former Deputy Communications Director, Kemp for President
Ryan Carney, Virginia, Former Chairman, CUA Republicans & Former Finance Director, Brownback for President
Alan Carson, Georgia, President, Obor Digital
Joseph Cella, Virginia, Founder, National Catholic Prayer Breakfast
Theo Chalgren, Minnesota, Visual Media Producer
Linda Chavez, Virginia, Conservative Author & Syndicated Columnist
Denis Coleman, Florida, Former Chairman, Covenant House & Former General Counsel, Bermuda
Jim Corbett, South Carolina, Former State Director, Brownback for President
Lisa Correnti, Maryland, Grassroots Activist & Homemaker         
Timothy Costa, Rhode Island, Policy Advisor
Marjorie Dannenfelser, Virginia, President, Susan B. Anthony List
Martin Dannenfelser, Virginia, Former Vice President, Family Research Council
Shawn Denton, Florida, Catholic Outreach Coordinator in Broward County, McCain for President
Terry Denton, Florida, Catholic Outreach Coordinator in Broward County, McCain for President
Bob Destro, Washington, DC, Law Professor, Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law
Stephen Louis A. Dillard, Georgia, Attorney & Former Legal Policy Advisor, Huckabee for President
Bernard Dobranski, Michigan, Dean, Ave Maria School of Law
Aggie Dowd, New Hampshire, Political Activist
John Dowd, New Hampshire, Former State Chairman, New Hampshire Republican Party & Coordinator, Catholics for Bush
Martin Duggan, Missouri, Television Host & Catholic Activist
John Eddy, Arkansas, Former National Victory Director, Republican National Committee
Tracy Eddy, Arkansas, Former Senior Staffer, the White House
Umberto Fedeli, Ohio, President & CEO, Fedeli Group
Ariel Fernandez, Florida, Catholic Outreach Coordinator in Miami-Dade County, McCain for President
James Fitzpatrick, Pennsylvania, Former State Regional Coalition Chair, Catholics for Bush
Dorothy Fleming, Minnesota, Deputy Chair, Republican Party of Minnesota
Angela Flood, Virginia, Former Deputy Political Director, the White House
Robert P. George, New Jersey, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence, Princeton University
Martin Gillespie, New Jersey, Former Director of Catholic Outreach, Republican National Committee
Rob Gleason, Pennsylvania, Chairman, Republican Party of Pennsylvania
Frank Hanna, Georgia, CEO, Hanna Capital, LLC
Hon. Melissa Hart, Pennsylvania, Former Representative, US House & Candidate for Congress
Deal W. Hudson, Washington, DC, President, Morley Publishing Group
John J. Jakubczyk, Arizona, Former President, Arizona Right to Life                   
John M. Klink, California, Former Diplomat, Vatican
Christian Kotscher, Georgia, National Principal, IBM
Alfred A. Lagan, Massachusetts, Founder & Chairman, Congress Asset Management Company
Alyssa Lombardi, Virginia, Teacher & Pro-Life Activist
Connie Marshner, Virginia, Writer, Editor & Grassroots Leader
Kitty Martinez, Florida, Former Educator
Hon. Bob McDonnell, Virginia, Attorney General, Virginia
Edward McFadden, Virginia, Former Senior Advisor, Fred Thompson for President
Margaret Melady, Virginia, Former President, American University in Rome
Amb. Thomas Melady, Virginia, Former US Ambassador, Vatican            
Tom Monaghan, Florida, Catholic Philanthropist & Founder, Domino's Pizza & Ave Maria University         
Hon. Maureen Mooney, New Hampshire, State Representative (R-Merrimack) & Former State Director, Catholics for Bush 
Mario Murgado, Florida, President & CEO, Miami Automotive Retail, Inc. Brickell Motors
Dennis Myers, Florida, Broward County Republican Executive Committee
Chris Nolan, Maryland, President, Landbridge Equity, LLC
Catherine Nugent, Missouri, President, Willis Pendleton Inc.
Joe O'Farrell, Georgia, Catholic Activist & Fundraiser
Patrick O'Meara, Michigan, Founder, O'Meara Ferguson Kearns, Inc.
Hon. Brian Palmer, Michigan, State Representative (R-Romeo)
Dana Phillips, Iowa, Former Co-Chairman, Catholics for Brownback
William F. Plunkett, Jr., New York, Attorney
Alexandra Preate, New York, Principal, Capital HQ
George Prezioso, New York, Vice President, AWMA
John Pudner, Georgia, President, Concentric Direct
Robert Reilly, Virginia, Former Director, Voice of America
Maureen Roselli, New Jersey, Founding CEO & Former President, Catholic Alliance
Austin Ruse, Virginia, President, Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute
Cathy Ruse, Virginia, Former Chief Pro-Life Spokesman, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Paul G. Scolese, Virginia, Former Staff, Bush-Cheney 2000 Presidential Transition Office
Lauren Shea, Florida, Political Activist   
Timothy D. Shea, Florida, Real Estate Executive
Shawn Smeallie, Virginia, Partner, American Continental Group
Jack St. Martin, Colorado, Former Campaign Manager, Beauprez for Governor
John Stanton, Pennsylvania, Former Executive Director, Southeast Pennsylvania Pro-Life Union
Frank Stella, Michigan, Chairman & CEO, F.D. Stella Products Company
Hon. George W. Strake, Jr., Texas, Former Secretary of State, Texas & Former Chairman, Republican Party of Texas      
Warren Sweeney, New Jersey, Former Executive Director, National Right to Life Committee
Christina Valentine, Virginia, Former President, Franciscan University of Steubenville College Republicans
Rick Valentine, Virginia, Former Deputy Assistant U.S. Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice
Susan Valentine, Virginia, Vice President, Virginia Society for Human Life
Tim Von Dohlen, Texas, 2004 Delegate & Former Representative, Texas State House
Pat Von Dohlen, Texas, Pro-Life Activist
Robert Wasinger, Virginia, Former Campaign Manager, Brownback for President
John Willke, Ohio, President, Life Issues Institute, Inc.
Chuck Yob, Michigan, Republican National Committeeman, Michigan
Eugene J. Zurlo, South Carolina, Chairman, Zurlo Investment Trust & Former President, Catholic Radio Association

Catholic Students For McCain Leadership Committee:

Billy Valentine, Virginia, Chairman, Catholic Students for McCain, Franciscan University of Steubenville
Lauren Benning, Florida, Catholic Outreach Coordinator in Lee County, McCain for President, Duke University
Raymond M. Gennawey, III, California, Former Chairman, CUA Republicans, Catholic University of America
Danielle Huntley, Massachusetts, Former President, Students for Life of America, Boston College School of Law
Kilty Maher, Iowa, Ave Maria University
Matthew Rooney, New Jersey, Former Chairman, CUA Republicans, Rutgers Law School
Terry Schilling, Illinois, Student Body President, Franciscan University of Steubenville
Thomas Ternan, Texas, Franklin & Marshall College
Katie Wilcox, Michigan, Ave Maria Law School
Colm Willis, Oregon, Boston College

John McCain 2008 Launches New Web Ad, "Man In The Arena"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW WEB AD, "MAN IN THE ARENA"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today launched a new web ad, entitled "Man In The Arena." The web ad highlights John McCain's vision and leadership in these historic and dangerous times.

Script for "Man In The Arena" (2:00-Web)

CHYRON: The Time Has Come

SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL: "We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills, we shall never surrender!"

JOHN MCCAIN: "Keep that faith. Keep your courage. Stick together. Stay strong. Do not yield. Do not flinch. Stand up. ... We're Americans. We're Americans, and we'll never surrender. They will."

CHYRON: For a Man in the Arena

PRESIDENT THEODORE ROOSEVELT: "With all my heart and soul ... I pledge you my word to do everything I can to put every particle of courage, of common sense, and of strength that I have at your disposal. ... Surely there never was a fight better worth making than the one in which we are in."

CHYRON: Ready

JOHN MCCAIN: "I know who I am and what I want to do. I don't seek the office out of a sense of entitlement. I owe America more than she has ever owed me."

SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL: "Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never -- in nothing, great or small, large or petty -- never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."

CHYRON: More Than Aspiration ... Leadership

JOHN MCCAIN: "I have been an imperfect servant of my country for many years. I have never lived a day, in good times or bad, that I haven't been proud of the privilege. Don't tell me what we can't do. Don't tell me we can't make our country stronger and the world safer. We can. We must. And when I'm President we will. Thank you and God bless you."

CHYRON: McCain -- President 2008

AD FACTS: JOHN MCCAIN 2008, "MAN IN THE ARENA"

Sir Winston Churchill, 1940: "We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender." (Sir Winston Churchill, House of Commons, London, June 4, 1940)

John McCain, 2004: "Keep that faith. Keep your courage. Stick together. Stay strong. Do not yield. Do not flinch. Stand up. ... We're Americans. We're Americans, and we'll never surrender. They will." (John McCain, 2004 Republican National Convention, New York, NY, August, 30, 2004)

President Theodore Roosevelt, 1912: "With all my heart and soul ... I pledge you my word to do everything I can to put every particle of courage, of common sense, and of strength that I have at your disposal. ... Surely there never was a fight better worth making than the one in which we are in." (President Theodore Roosevelt, "A Confession of Faith," Progressive Party National Convention, Chicago, IL, August 6, 1912)

John McCain, 2008: "I know who I am and what I want to do. I don't seek the office out of a sense of entitlement. I owe America more than she has ever owed me." (John McCain, Remarks On Wisconsin Primary Victory, Columbus, OH, February 19, 2008)

Sir Winston Churchill, 1941: "Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never -- in nothing, great or small, large or petty -- never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy." (Sir Winston Churchill, Harrow School, London, October 29, 1941)

John McCain, 2008: "I have been an imperfect servant of my country for many years. I have never lived a day, in good times or bad, that I haven't been proud of the privilege. Don't tell me what we can't do. Don't tell me we can't make our country stronger and the world safer. We can. We must. And when I'm President we will. Thank you and God bless you." (John McCain, Remarks On Wisconsin Primary Victory, Columbus, OH, February 19, 2008)

Statement By McCain Communications Director Jill Hazelbaker On Preparedness For 3 a.m. Phone Call

STATEMENT BY MCCAIN COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR JILL HAZELBAKER IN RESPONSE TO SENATOR OBAMA'S FOREIGN POLICY ADVISOR'S COMMENTS ON PREPAREDNESS FOR 3 A.M. PHONE CALL

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released the following statement by Communications Director Jill Hazelbaker in response to the assertion by Susan Rice, Senator Obama's foreign policy advisor, that neither democratic candidate is ready for the 3:00 a.m. call:

"At a time when our country faces an unprecedented range of international challenges and opportunities, the American people want a president who is prepared to lead our country in a dangerous world. Senator Obama's foreign policy adviser said today that neither Senator Clinton nor Senator Obama is ready to answer a 3:00 a.m. phone call during an international crisis. We agree wholeheartedly that neither Senator Clinton nor Senator Obama have the experience or judgment necessary to lead the United States in the struggle against violent Islamic extremists who seek our destruction, or to address the complex global environment that our next president will face. Only Senator McCain is ready to serve as commander in chief from day one."

Republican Party of Minnesota Applauds John McCain On Securing The Republican Nomination

Republican Party of Minnesota Applauds John McCain on Securing the Republican Nomination

St. Paul- Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey today issued the following statement regarding Senator John McCain’s securing of the Republican nomination for president of the United States.

“With his experience, judgment and character, Senator John McCain is the right choice to be the next commander in chief of our country.  A tested leader, Senator McCain stands strongly for limited government, lower taxes, a robust national defense and a culture of life.  Working with our great grassroots leaders from Winona to Warroad, I look forward to helping elect Senator McCain the next president of the United States.”

President Bush Meets With Senator John McCain

President Bush Meets with Senator John McCain

Rose Garden 
1:10 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: It's been my honor to welcome my friend, John McCain, as the nominee of the Republican Party. A while back I don't think many people would have thought that John McCain would be here as the nominee of the Republican Party -- except he knew he would be here, and so did his wife, Cindy.

John showed incredible courage and strength of character and perseverance in order to get to this moment. And that's exactly what we need in a President: somebody that can handle the tough decisions; somebody who won't flinch in the face of danger.

We also need somebody with a big heart. I have got to know John well in the last eight years. I've campaigned against him, and I've campaigned with him. Laura and I have spent time in their house. This is a man who deeply loves his family. It's a man who cares a lot about the less fortunate among us. He's a President, and he's going to be the President who will bring determination to defeat an enemy, and a heart big enough to love those who hurt.

And so I welcome you here. I wish you all the best, and I'm proud to be your friend.

SENATOR McCAIN: Thank you, sir. Well, I'm very honored and humbled to have the opportunity to receive the endorsement of the President of the United States, a man who I have great admiration, respect and affection [for]. We -- he and I, as is well known, had a very good competition in the year 2000, and I was privileged and proud to have the opportunity to campaign for his election and reelection to the Presidency of the United States.

I appreciate his endorsement. I appreciate his service to our country. I intend to have as much possible campaigning events together, as it is in keeping with the President's heavy schedule. And I look forward to that opportunity. I look forward to the chance to bring our message to America.

Last night, as you know, both Senator Obama and Senator Clinton called to congratulate me. I pledged at that time, and I pledge again, a respectful campaign -- a respectful campaign based on the issues and based on the stark differences in vision that we have for the future of America.

I hope that the President will find time from his busy schedule to be out on the campaign trail with me, and I will be very privileged to have the opportunity of being again on the campaign trail with him -- only slightly different roles this time. (Laughter.)

I thank you, Mr. President, and it's a pleasure.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, we'll answer a couple of questions.

Abramowitz. Sorry you got such a lousy seat back there. (Laughter.)

Q I wanted to ask about the -- the voters, according to a lot of the exit polls, seem to be searching for change this year. And I'd like to ask both of you -- excuse me -- I'd like to ask both of you how the Republican Party, which has been here for eight years, is going to make the case that you're going to provide the change that the voters seem to want, both on Iraq and the economy?

THE PRESIDENT: Let me start off by saying that in 2000 I said, vote for me, I'm an agent of change. In 2004, I said, I'm not interested in change -- I want to continue as President. Every candidate has got to say "change." That's what the American people expect.

And the good news about our candidate is, there will be a new President, a man of character and courage -- but he's not going to change when it comes to taking on the enemy. He understands this is a dangerous world, and I understand we better have steadfast leadership who has got the courage and determination to pursue this enemy, so as to protect America.

John McCain will find out, when he takes the oath of office, his most important responsibility is to protect the American people from harm. And there's still an enemy that lurks, an enemy that wants to strike us. And this country better have somebody in that Oval Office who understands the stakes, and John McCain understands those stakes.

SENATOR McCAIN: Thank you, sir. I don't have anything to add. (Laughter.)

Q Can I follow-up, sir? How would you --

THE PRESIDENT: No, you can't follow up. Thank you. (Laughter.)

Q Yes, on --

THE PRESIDENT: No, no, not you. Kelly.

Q Senator McCain, given President Bush's low approval ratings, will this be a negative or a positive for you? And how much do you hope he'll campaign for you on the trail?

SENATOR McCAIN: I hope that he will campaign for me as much as is keeping with his busy schedule. I'll be pleased to have him with me both from raising money and the much needed finances for the campaign, and addressing the challenging issues that face this country. I'm pleased to have him as is -- as it fits into his busy schedule.

Kelly.

Q Mr. President, Senator McCain, sir, how would you counsel Senator McCain to choose a running mate, how quickly? And given the fact that Democrats will field a nominee who will make some kind of history -- a woman, an African America -- should Republicans consider that in selecting a Vice Presidential nominee?

THE PRESIDENT: I'd tell him to be careful about who he names to be the head of the selection committee. (Laughter.) Look, he's got plenty of experience. He knows what he needs to do, which is to have a process that vets candidates, and the person -- somebody he's going to be comfortable with and somebody whose advice he relies upon. And he can answer his own question on that, but --

SENATE McCAIN: Could I just say, Kelly, I didn't think it was appropriate to contemplate this process, as I've discussed before, until after we had secured the nomination of the party. Now we'll begin that process.

Q Should history make a difference with a woman or an African American on the Democratic side?

THE PRESIDENT: People don't vote for Vice Presidents -- as much as I hate to say that for those who have been candidates for Vice President -- they're going to vote for who gets to sit inside that Oval Office and make decisions on how to protect the country and keep taxes low and how to have a culture that respects the dignity of every human being. That's what the race is all about. I know there's going to be a lot of speculation on who the Vice President, this and that, but the speculation is over about who our party is going to nominate.

Liz.

Q Mr. President, do you -- how much do you intend to do for Senator McCain? And do you think, in some cases, that your help could actually hurt him more than help him?

THE PRESIDENT: Look, if it -- if my showing up and endorsing him helps him, or if I'm against him and it helps him -- either way, I want him to win. (Laughter.) You know, look, this is an age-old question that you -- every President has had to answer, and there's an appropriate amount of campaigning for me to do.

But they're not going to be voting for me. I've had my time in the Oval Office. It's been a fabulous experience, by the way. And they're going to be voting for the next person to come in here and make the tough decisions about America -- America's security, America's prosperity, and, you know, America's hopefulness. That's what this race is about, and it's not about me. You know, I've done my bit.

And, by the way, I'm not through, and I'm going to do a lot. And John is right -- I do have a day job to keep, and I plan on keeping it. I've told the people that follow me in this press corps that I'm going to sprint to the finish, and I mean what I say. I've got a lot to do. But I'm going to find ample time to help, and I can help raising money, and if he wants my pretty face standing by his side at one of these rallies, I'll be glad to show up.

But they're going to be looking at him, you know. I'm going to be in Crawford -- (laughter) -- with my feet up. He's going to be sitting in there behind that desk, making the decisions on war and peace, and I'm thankful our party has nominated somebody plenty capable of making those decisions. And when the American people take a hard look, they're going to feel comfortable, like I feel comfortable, in recommending him to take my place.

Listen, we thank you.

Wolf, where's Wolf? No, I'm not calling you. Wolf. No, not you, either. Where's Wolf?

Q Right here.

THE PRESIDENT: Well, ask something, will you? (Laughter.)

Q Where do you think you can be most helpful campaigning for him around the country?

THE PRESIDENT: You know, look -- I mean, if --

Q And Senator McCain, where would you like the President to campaign with you?

THE PRESIDENT: As I told you, you know, if he wants me to show up, I will. If he wants me to say, "You know, I'm not for him," I will. Whatever he wants me to do, I want him to win. And, you know, Wolf, I don't know where. I mean, look --

SENATOR McCAIN: Could I start out with --

THE PRESIDENT: I'm focusing on, you know, protecting America, and succeeding in Iraq, and dealing with the North Korea, and dealing with the Iranian, and dealing with the issues around the world where we're making a difference in terms of keeping peace. I want to get this in as good as a position as possible so that when John McCain is the President -- and he will be -- he can deal with these issues in a way that yields peace.

SENATOR McCAIN: Wolf, could I say -- one state springs to mind: Texas. (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: He's not going to need me in Texas. He's going to be a landslide in Texas.

SENATOR McCAIN: Could I just say that I do intend to campaign all across the country. I think that literally every section in this country is at -- in play. And I will be glad to have the President with me, in keeping with his schedule, in any part of America. And we're going to go everywhere in America with this campaign.

THE PRESIDENT: Listen, thank you all very much for coming.

Q Did you talk names for Vice President? (Laughter.)

Q One press conference every week if you're elected, Senator?

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. It's been a pleasure to see you. Obviously we've invited some unruly members of the fourth estate here. I'm disappointed in the conduct of some of the people that have come. I told John it would be a nice and polite crowd. Thank you all very much.

END 1:20 P.M. EST